One of the most helpful things you can do for the friends and family you plan to invite to your wedding is to send them save-the-dates.

The primary save-the-date purpose is to inform guests of your wedding date and location in advance so they can keep their calendars open on the day of your wedding and, depending on their location, begin making travel arrangements.

For your guests, receiving the wedding save-the-date and adding the dates and the details to their calendars officially begins the countdown to your wedding.

Not only that, but sending save-the-dates provides an excellent way to be creative, and set the tone for the wedding and related events.

If you're wondering how to announce your wedding date or need save-the-date style inspiration, etiquette advice, or guidance on when your save-the-dates should go out, we have a save-the-date guide just for you.

Do I Need Save-the-Dates?

Save-the-date notices are highly recommended if:

-You're having a destination wedding: Guests need extra time to book flights and hotels for weddings in another city or country.

-Your wedding is on a holiday weekend: Prime wedding dates like Labor Day or Memorial Day fill up fast.

-You have quite a few out-of-town guests: Give them time to request paid time off and make travel arrangements.

-Your wedding date may change: If your venue or details are not yet finalized, save-the-dates provide flexibility if you need to change the date later.

-Your guest list is very long: Give guests advance notice that a formal invitation is coming. This is thoughtful if you plan to invite more than 100 guests.

Save-the-dates are optional if your wedding is local with under 100 guests on a normal weekend. Informal word-of-mouth notice may suffice.

When Should We Send Our Save-the-Dates?

We’ve found that guidelines for save-the-date timing vary, but a good rule of thumb is to send them six to eight months in advance of your wedding date.

We would say, as soon as you’ve nailed when and where you'll be getting married—and who you want to invite—try to make sending your save-the-dates a high priority.

One word of caution: There is a fine line though, between giving your guests ample time to get your event on their calendars and sending save-the-dates too early, say more than a year in advance. When you do that, there's a risk that your notification could get lost, and your event could slip through the cracks.

What Should Our Save-the-Dates Say?

When it's time to create your save-the-dates, you don’t have to include a lot of information, but you should include your wedding essentials. This includes the names of you and your spouse-to-be, the date and year of your wedding, the wedding location (if you don't have a venue lined up, provide the city/region, and some kind of statement that makes it clear that you're sending a save-the-date, not your invitation. You can accomplish this by simply stating, “Invitation to Follow.”

If you have one, it would be helpful to include a link to your wedding website, where your guests can get more details and registration information.

You do not have to include the time of your wedding, attire guidelines, or details about food.

Also, you should not be including RSVP cards: They go in your invitations.

Should Everyone on Our Guest List Receive Save-the-Dates?

Yes. If you plan to invite someone, they should receive a save-the-date.

Even if you’ve spoken, texted, or emailed about your wedding plans with some people, don’t leave anybody out.

Should We Send Save-the-Dates for Our Destination Wedding?

Absolutely. As we mentioned, this is one of those times when a wedding save-the-date will be particularly helpful.

Nearly everyone will need to make travel arrangements for a destination wedding.

The sooner you can give your guests a heads-up that they’ll need to start planning, and budgeting, to attend your wedding the better.

Do We Need to Send a Paper Save-the-Date?

There are pros and cons to both paper and digital save-the-date notifications.

Sending paper save-the-date cards is the traditional way to go, but you will not be breaking any etiquette rules by emailing your save-the-date or sending it by text. You can always take a look at a save-the-date site or two to see what you think. (You can also opt to use a save-the-date app to help you manage responses. Technology can be your friend when you’re juggling multiple planning tasks.)

As long as you get your wedding save the date to guests in time for them to make unrushed plans, and your save the date has your date and location information, you're in good shape.

Pros and Cons of Postcards

This is another area where there is no correct answer.

Some couples prefer enclosing their save-the-dates in envelopes to keep the details of their wedding private and to help prevent folding or smudging.

On the other hand, save-the-date postcards can be more affordable productions. They can save you time, and using them can save money on postage.

According to loveandlavender.com, the cost to mail a postcard is nearly 40% less than mailing a standard letter in the United States.

The Save-The-Date Booklet

In addition to traditional postcards, a fun option for save-the-dates is a booklet. Save-the-date booklets allow you to include more details and photos. You can have different pages with information about the wedding venue, accommodation details, weekend timeline, travel information, things to do in the area, and more.

It's a great way to get guests excited for the wedding festivities. Booklets can be designed with different artistic touches like a ribbon closure or sticker seal.

What If We Want More Formal or Traditional Save-the-Dates?

If you prefer save-the-dates that resemble wedding invitations, stationery is definitely an option. You can find a number of elegant, luxurious options in a wide range of materials and designs.

You also opt for premium cards, specialty cards, and other creative possibilities to suit your tastes.

What Should We Know About Selecting a Save-the-Date Photo?

Because your photo(s) will be a focal point of your save-the-dates, unless you already have a fantastic image of you and your partner, we encourage you to consider hiring a professional to make sure you have high-quality.

Also, consider the setting of your photo, including colors and how it will complement (or distract from) the overall vibe you’re aiming for.

What Can You Tell Us About Etiquette for Save-the-Dates?

One common question we hear about save-the-dates is how to approach names.

Generally, the traditional approach would be to list the bride’s name before the groom’s name. You also have the option of listing the names in alphabetical order.

Another etiquette point to keep in mind, for both save-the-dates and for invitations, is to leave off your gift registration information. Instead, include your wedding website address.

Is It OK to Incorporate Humor Into Our Save-the-Dates?

Absolutely!! Your save-the-dates are a fantastic way to showcase the personalities of you and your partner. If laughter and fun are important to you, why not choose save-the-dates that reflect that?

You can weave in a play on words, or shop around for a funny save-the-date template.

What Should We Know About VistaPrint Save-the-Date Cards?

While this article is not a review or endorsement of VistaPrint save-the-date cards, its products are among the top save-the-date cards couples opt for, so we want to include information about them.

VistaPrint provides a wide range of promotional products, including such business essentials as digital business cards, rigid signs, office signs, outdoor signs, other signs, event tradeshow displays, banners, posters, custom labels, and additional products for a company or small business.

It offers consumer products that include items for the home, gifts, sports teamwear, table coverings, party supplies custom, labels, stickers, packaging, bags, tags (for luggage), and more.

Its wedding products include invitations, RSVP cards, menu cards, Vista x Wix wedding websites, and yes, save-the-date cards.

Generally, VistaPrint receives positive reviews from customers for its great quality and service.

When it comes to save-the-date cards, you can create and upload your own design or select from a wide range of templates.

Size options are 4.6 x 7.2 inches and 5.5 x 4 inches.

You select the style (bohemian, bold, elegant, floral, and fun & whimsical); the theme (options include Destination, monograms, nautical, and photo); the option of including embossed foil (gold, silver, or glitter); season; trim (standard or rounded); orientation; color; and backside options (blank, gray, or color). If you've selected a photo theme, you'll also have a choice about the number of photos you include.

If you're not sure what you want, review the site's selection and look for options that match the theme, colors, or overall style you want for your wedding.

Corporate Save-The-Dates

If you and your spouse-to-be work at the same company, sending save-the-date announcements to co-workers is a fun way to share your engagement. Here are some ideas for corporate save-the-dates:

-Design a custom save-the-date with your company logo and wedding details to send to co-workers.

-Create an email save-the-date with a header image of you and your partner at a company event.

-Post an announcement on your company intranet or social media pages.

-Order branded swag like pens or mugs with your names and wedding date.

-Stick save-the-date magnets on filing cabinets and desks around the office.

Getting coworkers excited about your big day can help strengthen bonds. Just be sure to clear any company branding or materials with HR, along with the use of company resources, like internal email.

Save-the-Date Via Text

Deciding to send save-the-date announcements via text message is a quick, convenient option for modern couples. Here are some tips for doing save-the-dates by text:

-Design a customized graphic with your names, wedding date, and location to text out.

-Use an online invitation suite that lets guests RSVP by text.

-Text just the key details: "Save the date! John & Jane - May 27, 2024 - Hawaii"

-Make it fun by sending a series of puzzle-piece texts that come together to reveal the details.

-Provide a link to your wedding website in the text for more info.

-Be sure you have current mobile numbers for all guests.

-Follow up with formal invitations by mail.

With careful coordination, save-the-date texts are an easy way to share exciting wedding plans on the go. Just be mindful of your guests' texting preferences.